GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — “A couple of different things are necessary for Ukraine to ultimately win this war against Russia, and one of those is this thing called air superiority” voiced Retired Air Force Brigadier General John Teichert.

Which is the freedom to attack from the air, and the freedom to defend against Russian attacks from the air. that’s all a step closer thanks to the F-16.

Gen. Teichert stated, “These F-16s will get put to use immediately in executing those air superiority rules. I think what that means is partially defending Ukraine against Russian missiles and air attacks and using that ability to try and take out some of the air capabilities of the Russians.”

But General Teichert gives Ukraine high praise for how it’s using new equipment to shoot down Russian weaponry.

“I think Ukraine has done an amazing job intercepting those drones and missiles, especially with the new Patriot system they got in the last few months” Gen. Teichert added.

To learn how to use the Patriot system and the F-16s, Ukrainian pilots travel out west, but there’s still more work to do.

Gen. Teichert mentioned, “Now you need to also train maintainers and parts of the logistical chain for those F-16s and I think that we are believing based on the training of those individuals from Ukraine that by the end of the year, we will be able to deliver f16s that they can sustain on their own.”

And that’ll bring the Ukrainians one step closer to air superiority.

“Once we do that it’ll enables those f’16s and other systems better capability to freely strike those targets in Russian-controlled territory, and to support the troops on the ground who are in a battle with those Russian troops on the ground as well” Gen. Teichert uttered.

But General Teichert says that’s not even the best part.

Gen. Teichert remarked, “I think the biggest thing that is a boost to Ukraine with respect to the f’16s, is not how they will be employed but we are willing to give them this capability that ties them strategically with us for the next two to three decades.”

To see my full interview with Retired Air Force Brigadier General John Teichert, click here.